Navy Deploys AI Humanoid Robot as Helmsman for First Time

The South Korean Navy has taken a significant step into the future of naval operations by conducting its first combat experiment involving an AI humanoid robot as a helmsman. The robot, dubbed 'PIBOT,' was stationed at the bridge of the Aegis destroyer 'Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong' during a simulation exercise at the Naval Education and Training Command in Changwon.

During the drill, PIBOT, standing 165cm tall and weighing 65kg, received navigation commands from the officer of the watch. Responding within seconds, the robot used its mechanical arm to manipulate the steering wheel, turning the ship's course as instructed. Upon reaching the target heading of 110 degrees, PIBOT confirmed the completion of the maneuver.

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Hold the course 10 degrees to port, 110 degrees!

This groundbreaking experiment was a collaborative effort between the Navy and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). Professor Shim Hyun-cheol's team at KAIST developed PIBOT, which has been trained on ship handling terminology and procedures using a large language model. The robot's ability to understand and execute commands in a simulated environment is a crucial test for its potential integration into actual naval operations.

Traditionally, a sailor serves as the helmsman, responsible for steering the ship according to the captain's or watch officer's orders. PIBOT's participation in this role signifies the Navy's exploration into leveraging artificial intelligence and robotics to augment or potentially replace human crew members in certain tasks. The successful execution of commands in the simulator suggests a promising future for robotic integration in maritime defense.

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Completing course hold at 110 degrees!